Vidal Reserve Series Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010 has been named Champion of the Show at the 2012 Spiegelau International Wine Competition.

Australian Shiraz and New Zealand Syrah came head to head at these awards with two Shiraz and two Syrah gold medallists competing for the trophy in this class. New Zealand won this trans-Tasman duel with Vidal’s Gimblett Gravels Syrah winning the trophy in this category before claiming the top prize in last night’s ceremony, the Champion of the Show trophy.

Winemaker Hugh Crichton who is currently travelling in China commented on the trophy winning wine: "Everything aligned in 2010; a great growing season, an exceptional site and a dedicated vineyard and winery team. The 2010 vintage from our Omahu Gravels Vineyard is showing tremendous fruit purity, perfume, elegance and fine structure. Hawkes Bay Syrah is proving to be a real shining light and one that suits our climate and soils."

15 trophies, 63 gold, 160 silver and 446 bronze medals were awarded at the second annual Spiegelau International Wine Competition.

Chief Judge, Mike DeGaris of Sydney said, "It was a pleasure to judge such a diverse range of wines, many of outstanding quality."